War Amps to Partner with Department of National Defence in Assisting Amputee Soldiers

November 26, 2013 - The War Amps is pleased to be entering into a collaborative partnership with The Department of National Defence (Canadian Forces Health Services Group) to share knowledge and expertise that will enhance the care of Canadian Armed Forces personnel that have suffered from amputation.

The formal announcement of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The War Amps and DND took place this morning in the Ballroom of Edmonton’s Westin Hotel during the 4th Annual Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum. The three-day forum brings together top researchers, academics, military personnel, veterans and family members, with focus on the physical and mental health of Canada’s veterans.

“This Memorandum formalizes the commitment of The War Amps in addressing the needs of the Traditional veteran and Modern-Day amputee,” said Brian Forbes, Chairman of The War Amps Executive Committee.

“There is no higher obligation on Canada and the veterans’ community than the responsibility to address the needs and requirements of seriously disabled veterans and their families. This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to share our knowledge and we look forward to actively working with Canadian Forces Health Services in attaining this objective.”

He notes that The War Amps, which is marking its 95th anniversary of assisting amputee veterans this year, is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges that Canadian Armed Forces personnel face as they adjust to life as an amputee.

The Director of The War Amps National Amputee Centre, Karen Valley, who took part in the announcement, agreed: “The War Amps has a wealth of information regarding amputation, artificial limbs and related topics which we are excited to sharewith the Canadian Armed Forces. Just as importantly, we can provide the reassurance through both support and tangible examples that it is completely possible to live a full and positive life with amputations.”

“Though the Canadian Armed Forces and The War Amps have worked together in the past, this Memorandum of Understanding truly formalizes our continued commitment to share our knowledge and experience in order to better the lives of persons that have suffered amputations,” said Brigadier-General Jean-Robert Bernier, Surgeon General. “By fostering a partnership, The War Amps of Canada and the Canadian Forces Health Services Group will work together, contributing to positioning Canada’s health sector as a global leader in prosthetic development and care, with our collective clientele as the clear cut winners.”